Cook County Health said Wednesday it plans to open a new medical center in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood by early next year. [Health News Illinois]

The site will serve as an extension of the health system’s Provident Hospital and will offer family medicine, mental healthcare and rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy.

The 26,000-square-foot facility will have 44 exam rooms and gym space for therapy services, said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Once open, she said they expect the site to have 85,000 visits in its first year.

“The health center holds the promise, not only of addressing the immediate health needs of the community, but also fostering long-term improvements in health outcomes on Chicago's south side,” Preckwinkle said. “It will play a critical role in addressing the persistent, systemic barriers to health that we're all aware of. It will also support a healthier and more equitable future for Cook County.”

Officials said the center is part of a larger modernization of services at Provident Hospital. Dr. Erik Mikaitis, interim CEO of Cook County Health, said the new center will give the service lines “room to grow” and open up more clinical space within the hospital to expand care.

“While we're still strategically planning for what that (clinical space) will look like, we know that services will be based on community needs and further enhance access to care on the south side,” Mikaitis said.

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